U-bolt clamp construction

Abstract

A new open end pipe or tube clamp assembly having an exceptionally high strength-to-size ratio which utilizes a U-bolt and a novel saddle member. The saddle is formed by a progressive die of a single piece with no welding and has a top web surface which is severely formed to define a pair of spaced rounded ridges and a depressed central portion achieving high strength and the ridges also serve as nut seats and reduce galling. The side walls of the saddle are centrally depressed to provide narrow contact with the tubing. When the clamp is tightened about a pipe joint high tension stresses force the side members toward each other.

We claim: 
     
       1. In a U-bolt clamp comprising a U-bolt having threaded end portions, a saddle body having bolt receiving openings, said saddle body being movable on said U-bolt, and nut means threaded on said end portions and acting against said saddle body to secure a pair of telescoped pipe ends therebetween; and improvement comprising, said saddle body formed from a single folded blank of sheet metal and including a top web surface and a pair of side members having ends depending therefrom, the side members having an idented center section extending substantially from one bolt receiving opening to the other and having an arcuate lower edge to engage a pipe surface, said top web surface having said bolt receiving openings therein and being deformed inwardly and centrally along its entire length during manufacture to define a pair of spaced rounded ridges on either side of the deformation, said ridges serving as seats for said nut means to lessen frictional resistance against said nut means during the tightening thereof, and also serving as hinge points for movement of said side members toward each other upon application of tightening pressure exerted by the nut means against said rounded ridges. 
     
     
       2. A U-bolt clamp as defined in claim 1, wherein the saddle body is open at its ends. 
     
     
       3. A U-bolt clamp as defined in claim 1, wherein said saddle side members are deformed during manufacture inwardly and into contact with each other forming said indented center section between the bolt receiving openings and below the top web surface. 
     
     
       4. A U-bolt clamp as defined in claim 1, wherein said arcuate lower edge is coined to provide a reduced contact area for engaging the pipe surface. 
     
     
       5. A U-bolt clamp as defined in claim 4, wherein said ridges are spaced outwardly of said reduced contact area. 
     
     
       6. A U-bolt clamp as defined in claim 1, wherein the saddle body is blanked and formed with a progressive die. 
     
     
       7. A U-bolt clamp as defined in claim 1, wherein the arcuate lower edge of said saddle body and the bight portion of said U-bolt define a substantially true circle when said clamp is fully tightened about said telescoped pipe ends.